Berkman close to signing with Texas — The Texas Rangers — closing in on a new designated hitter — are finalizing an agreement with free agent Lance Berkman, according to major-league sources. — The contract is expected to be for one year in the $10 million to $11 million range …

Sources: Upton trade talks still on — Justin Upton for Chase Headley? — The Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres have held on-and-off discussions about a trade involving those players since July, but the talks have failed to progress, according to major-league sources.

Rangers To Sign Lance Berkman — 5:52pm: Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas clarifies (on Twitter) that the option vests at 550 plate appearances, not at-bats. — 3:32pm: The veteran will need to hit 525-550 at-bats for his 2014 option to vest, according to Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram (on Twitter).

Mariano Rivera to start throwing — DANBURY, Conn. — Still not fully recovered from his season-ending knee injury, New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera said he will alter his winter throwing program to compensate for all the time he missed in 2012. — “It is not 100 percent,” Rivera said Saturday.

Amaro searching for veteran corner outfielder — PHILADELPHIA — Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. continues to make calls and send text messages and emails in search of a veteran corner outfielder. — He understands it would be risky to enter the season without one.

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